Witch Beneath the Willow – Details, episodes & analysis

Mabon—the Autumn Equinox—marks the threshold into the darker half of the year. Day and night stand in perfect balance, the harvest is gathered, and gratitude meets release as the wheel turns once again.

In this episode of Witch Beneath the Willow, we’ll explore the many layers of Mabon: its history, myths, and global celebrations—from the Eleusinian Mysteries of ancient Greece to Korean Chuseok, Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, and Welsh tales of Mabon ap Modron. We’ll wander through correspondences of color, crystals, herbs, and deities, and reflect on the themes of balance, reciprocity, and preparation for the winter to come. Please forgive my pronunciation throughout this episode, I don't know what was going on.

I’ll also share simple ways to celebrate the season today: feasting, gratitude rituals, seasonal crafts, and magical recipes—plus a simmer pot, a harvest bruschetta, apple candles, and a longer Mabon blessing to use in your own rituals.

Join me under the willow tree as we honor the harvest, embrace the turning of the wheel, and step into the wisdom of the equinox.

Follow Witch Beneath the Willow for more seasonal magic, and message me with your own Mabon traditions—I’d love to hear them.

Mabon Blessing:

As the wheel turns and the days and nights stand equal,I honor the sacred balance of this season.

I give thanks for the fruits of the harvest,for grain and grape, for root and vine,for the work of my hands and the blessings of the earth.

I call upon the light of the fading sunand the shadow of the growing night.

Together they weave the tapestry of life and death,rest and renewal, giving and receiving.

As leaves turn and fall, so too may I releasewhat I no longer need.I lay down my burdens, my griefs, my outworn patterns,and make space for rest, reflection, and peace.

I welcome the gifts of darkness:the time to dream, to heal, to listen inward.And I carry within me the spark of the sun,a flame to guide me through the winter nights.

Blessed be the balance of light and shadow,Blessed be the turning of the seasons,Blessed be the harvest and all who gathered it.On this Mabon, I am grateful.On this Mabon, I am whole.So mote it be.

From Persian nightingales and Greek goddesses to Cleopatra’s chambers and Tudor England, the rose has always been more than just a flower—it is a story, a spell, and a medicine chest in bloom.

In this episode, we wander through centuries of rose lore: myths of Aphrodite and Venus, the wars of roses in England, and the secretive phrase sub rosa. We’ll explore the rose in art and literature, the language of flowers, and its deep connections to love, passion, and protection in magical practice.

You’ll also learn the rose’s gifts as an herbal ally—from soothing the skin and calming the heart to the nourishing power of rosehips. And, as always, we’ll end with a Living the Spell segment, where I’ll guide you through making your own rose water, a simple divination ritual with rose petals, and a refreshing rose & hibiscus lemonade potion.

The rose teaches us that beauty is both delicate and thorned, that love can heal and wound, and that magic can be found in the petals we hold close.

Step beneath the branches of Witch Beneath the Willow: a cozy, magical podcast where folklore meets herbal wisdom and soulful self-care. In this short trailer, meet your host and get a taste of the gentle enchantments to come.
If you feel at home among wild herbs, whispered spells, and soft strength, follow now and join the circle.

Step into the seafoam and the stories of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty, passion, and desire. In this episode, we explore her origins, her many lovers and children, her role in sparking the Trojan War, and the myths that reveal both her blessings and her fury. From golden apples to tragic punishments, Aphrodite was never content to remain on Olympus—she moved through the lives of mortals with as much intensity as she did the gods.

Along the way, we’ll talk about how to honor her in modern practice: self-love rituals, mirror work, beauty magic, sensual devotion, and even simple offerings that invite her radiant energy into your life. And in the Living the Spell segments, I’ll share a self-love ritual and a tea blend to help you connect more deeply with her gifts.

Whether you’re drawn to Aphrodite’s gentleness or her rage, her myths remind us that love is never passive—it can heal, it can wound, and it can transform.

If this episode inspires you, don’t forget to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might love a little goddess magic in their life. And come connect with me on Instagram and TikTok @witchbeneaththewillow for daily rituals, spells, and a growing witchy community.

This year’s Harvest Moon rises as a supermoon in fiery Aries, glowing brighter and closer than most full moons. Known throughout history for guiding farmers through late-night harvests, this moon is also steeped in folklore, cultural celebrations, and magical energy.

In this episode, we explore the Harvest Moon’s history, its many names, and how it’s been celebrated across cultures—from Chinese lantern festivals to Celtic feasts. We’ll talk about its magical correspondences, from gods and crystals to herbs and colors, and then move into practical ways you can connect with its golden light today.

You’ll also receive ritual inspiration and journal prompts to guide your reflection under this full moon:
🌙 Who in my community am I thankful for?
🌙 What is one thing I did this season that I am proud of?
🌙 What is asking to be released and moved on from?
🌙 What do I want to cultivate more of?
🌙 What do I need to store away for winter?

Whether you charge moon water, take a moonlit walk, or simply pause to honor what you’ve gathered this season, the Harvest Moon offers a moment of culmination, gratitude, and gentle release.

Listen now and celebrate the magic of this moon with me—then share your reflections, rituals, or Harvest Moon sightings. Tag me or send a message; I’d love to know how you’re honoring this turning of the seasons.

Step across the threshold of a brand-new month with me as we explore the magic, folklore, and rituals woven into the very first day of the calendar. From ancient Roman offerings to Juno, to whispering “rabbit, rabbit” for luck, to tucking silver into your pocket for abundance—this episode gathers traditions old and new to help you set the tone for the weeks ahead.

We’ll dive into practical witchcraft for the first of the month: abundance spells with cinnamon and money bowls, protective wards with black salt, cleansing rituals to sweep out stagnant energy, and reflective practices with tarot or oracle cards. Plus, I’ll guide you through making your own black salt and share affirmations to anchor your intentions in fresh beginnings.

Whether you’re seeking prosperity, protection, or simply a chance to reset, this episode invites you to honor the first of the month as a sacred doorway—and step through it with clarity, magic, and purpose.

Living the Spell: DIY black salt recipe & affirmation for fresh starts.

Affirmation:

As I step into this new month, I cross a threshold of fresh beginnings. I release what no longer serves me and open my heart to the blessings waiting to unfold. Abundance flows easily into my life, and I welcome it with gratitude. My homeis protected, my spirit is grounded, and my path is guided by clarity and purpose. Each day ahead is a chance to grow, to heal, and to create magic in both the ordinary and the extraordinary. I honor this new beginning, knowing I am supported, safe, and aligned with the flow of the universe.

In this first entry of the Apothecary Notes series, we wander into the fragrant world of lavender—a flower beloved by healers, witches, and dreamers across centuries. Together we’ll explore lavender’s rich folklore, from fairy circles and Tudor love charms to the eerie ghost of the Lavender Lady. We’ll uncover her magical uses in spells of protection, prophecy, and sleep, and learn how to weave her calming power into everyday rituals. And of course, we’ll dive into lavender’s medicinal gifts—soothing stress, easing pain, and healing both body and spirit.

Whether sipped as tea, tucked beneath your pillow, or burned as incense, lavender is a bridge between worlds: practical, protective, and profoundly magical.

You can find me on Instagram and TikTok @witchbeneaththewillow — I’d love to hear from you! Send a message anytime with your questions, thoughts, or magical topic requests.

Step into the golden dawn with Apollo — radiant god of the sun, prophecy, music, healing, and truth. In this episode of Gods& Grimoire, we trace his myths from serpent-slaying to oracle-building, from doomed love stories to divine revelations. We explore Apollo’s dual nature as both healer and harbinger, creator and destroyer, artist and avenger.

You'll learn how to recognize his signs, work with his energy in your craft, and connect with his light through daily devotion, ritual, and reflection. Plus: a spoken spell and intentional teablend to carry Apollo’s fire with you long after the episode ends.

For the seekers, the singers, the truth-tellers, and the healers—this one's for you.

You can find me on Instagram and TikTok @witchbeneaththewillow — I’d love to hear from you! Send a message anytime with your questions, thoughts, or magical topic requests.

This full moon, we cast our circle beneath ancient waters. The Sturgeon Moon rises, red with summer haze, calling forth resilience, release, and deep remembering. In this episode, we wade through folklore, August energies, lunar spellwork, and a ritual bath to cleanse what clings.

Stir the shadows. Call back your magic. Emerge glowing.

Journal prompts from the episode:

What emotional or energetic weight have I been carrying that I’m ready to release?

What is surfacing from my depths right now that needs my attention or healing?What parts of my authentic self am I ready to reclaim or reveal?

You can find me on Instagram and TikTok @witchbeneaththewillow — I’d love to hear from you! Send a message anytime with your questions, thoughts, or magical topic requests.

Celebrate the first harvest with me in this cozy and magical episode of Witch Beneath the Willow. We’ll explore the ancient roots of Lughnasadh, from the myths of Lugh the Sun God to the magical significance of grain, bread, and gratitude. Learn how to weave kitchen witchcraft and seasonal rituals into your Lughnasadh celebrations, with spells, offerings, and introspective practices for this sacred time of year.

Whether you're baking a loaf with intention or simply soaking in the last golden days of summer, this episode will guide you inhonoring abundance, gratitude, and the turning of the wheel.

Featuring:

· The story of Lugh & the origins of Lughnasadh

· A list of crystals, herbs, and symbols to decorate your altar

· Ways to celebrate the harvest in modern witchcraft

· A “Living the Spell” segment to bring Lughnasadh into your daily practice

Blessed Lughnasadh, dear witch. May your harvest be bountiful.

Tag me in your Lughnasadh posts, I'd love to see your celebrations! @witchbeneaththewillow (instagram and tiktok)